Sieges in the Middle Ages

Sieges in the Middle Ages were military operations where one group, typically a besieging army, surrounded a fortified position, such as a castle or city, to capture it. Tactics included cutting off supplies, constructing siege weapons, and using attrition to compel surrender. Defenders relied on walls and food reserves, hoping for relief from allies. Sieges could last weeks or months, significantly impacting civilian populations and often leading to brutal conditions. Success depended on strength, strategy, and sometimes treachery, with significant historical consequences, including shifts in power and territory.